Six battoirs à écorce en ivoire, République Démocratique du Congo

Collecté in situ par M. Loons, agent colonial, avant 1919
Collection Jos (Jozef) Walscharts, Anvers, acquis en 1928
Collection Alexis Bonew, Bruxelles, acquis en 1975

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Dents, cracks, scratches and smal losses on each pounder. Patinas with varying shades from light to reddish brown tones typical of old elephant ivory. In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Voir Felix (White Gold, Black Hands, Ivory Sculpture in Congo, vol. 4, p. 157 et 158, n° 13 et 14) pour des battoirs très comparables, servant à séparer le derme de l'épiderme de l'écorce, collectés par A. Delcommune en 1889, conservés au Musée Royal de Tervuren.